OSM: Hi, being from the US (San Francisco) it is really refreshing to know that you are influenced by Dirty Hit acts such as The 1975 and Beabadoobie. Did any band or song in particular inspire Gloomy June and/or influence you?
Thanks for taking the time to interview us! Even though Devin, who writes the instrumental skeletons of our songs, isn’t consciously inspired by other artists, as the lyricist, I feel like I’m taking inspiration from other artists all the time. When writing the lyrics for “Save Anyone,” I was inspired by Porter Robinson’s “Get Your Wish”, with some Mew elements. You mentioned Beabadoobie and The 1975, and with our track “Always Gonna Let You Down” I was inspired by the No Rome and 1975 track “Narcissist” particularly in the pre-chorus. You might be able to hear some Beabadoobie “Worth It” in our song “Tinderbox” just in the angsty energy.
OSM: Your EP ’Popsick’, is out now. What was the songwriting and recording process of the tracks?
The songs were recorded over the course of 2020 and 2021. My earliest memory writing these songs was writing the lyrics to Save Anyone while watching Porter Robinson’s Secret Sky livestream set in May of 2020. I remember scribbling the words to the chorus while he was performing. The last memory I have of writing the ep was improving the bridge lyrics of “This Party is a Warzone” when we performed the song for the first time at our first live show in over two years, Elbo Room Oakland in September 2021.
OSM: Where was the EP recorded, and how was that experience?
This EP was recorded with Aaron Hellam / Hellam Sound in early 2022. The drums were recorded in his associate Dryw’s home studio in Sacramento, and the rest in Aaron’s home studio in Moraga. Recording with Aaron and Dryw is always a great time. The vibe is always good and even though it’s a home studio, they’re total pros. We have a lot of memes permanently etched into our brains from the hours in the studio with them.
OSM: What is the general theme of the EP, is there an overall message?
The theme of the EP is nostalgia, even for the bad times, and self-growth. I think these themes will ring true to a lot of people after going through the pandemic, wishing they were doing anything but hunkering down at home, even having a bad time at a party.
OSM: Gloomy June are touring various locations across the US this summer. What can fans expect from your live shows?
We’ll be playing all the tracks off the new EP, of course, but we’re also testing out some new ones we’ve been working on, and we have some really fun covers in store too!
OSM: What challenges has the band faced since launching your career?
When we launched as a band back in March, we were taking the risk of starting a new project from our old band The Y Axes. We decided to change our name when our previous drummer left because we were ready to start fresh, but it was definitely a risky choice. We were afraid our old fans wouldn’t follow us to the project, and for the most part they’ve luckily remained supportive. Now the challenge is touring with the risk of catching covid-19.
OSM: What are the plans for the year ahead for yourselves?
For the next year, we’re planning to put out covers of some of our favorite songs that we recorded. We’ll also record the new songs we’ve been writing, and hopefully have a second EP to put out along with Popsick as a vinyl record. We’re playing Fest in Florida this fall, and are working on an east coast tour to correspond with that.
OSM: If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?
That’s a pretty big question. I guess if I could change anything about the music industry, it would be that the US government would pay to support artists the way other countries do. Or if I could blanket-statement make the industry less “corrupt” overall. I guess that’s a big answer for a big question haha.
OSM: If you could share the stage with another band or performer who would it be?
I would love to share the stage with The Strokes. As far as bigger bands go, they’re one of my favorites.
OSM: What songs are on your playlist right now, which songs are you into at the moment?
Japanese Breakfast - Be Sweet
The Moondrops - Tongue Tied
Remi Wolf - Monte Carlo
Faye Webster - Kingston
Carpool Tunnel - Nostalgia
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